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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Beginning Oct. 1, 2011, due to state budget cuts, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will prioritize Colorado QuitLine resources to provide tobacco cessation services to Colorado's most at-risk populations: Medicaid and Medicare recipients, pregnant women and the uninsured.

QuitLine services will also be available to members whose health plans have partnered with the QuitLine. All other callers will be informed that the Affordable Care Act requires tobacco cessation benefits in all health plans and be advised to call their health care plan or employer to learn more about their cessation benefit options.

Colorado's budget crisis has led to significant cuts in the voter-approved Amendment 35 funds designated for tobacco education and cessation. With limited resources, we need your help now more than ever. Please continue to encourage your clients to quit smoking and assure them that calling the Colorado QuitLine is the most important thing they can do to protect their health

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Tobacco remains the single most preventable cause of death and disease and a major driver of health care costs. Together, we can continue our work to improve the health of all Coloradans.